ADDIEGO AND RUDDER SAY STATE HAS USED TUNNEL VISION IN ACHIEVING WORST ROADS IN NATION STATUS

ADDIEGO AND RUDDER SAY STATE HAS USED TUNNEL VISION IN ACHIEVING WORST ROADS IN NATION STATUS

FHA REPORT SAYS 28 PERCENT OF ARTERIES IN POOR CONDITION

Assemblywoman Dawn Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder, both R-Burlington, said today’s news report that New Jersey has the worst roads in the country is due to Governor Corzine’s misplaced transportation priorities that put building a new Hudson River tunnel crossing ahead of caring for a critical component of the state’s infrastructure.

“While New Jersey is committing billions to a build a new tunnel that will not provide a measurable benefit to most people in the state, the condition of our roads is deplorable and only getting worse because of neglect,” said Rudder, who is a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee. “With 28 percent of our roads in poor condition, and one-third of our bridges either structurally deficient or obsolete, there is a statewide transportation problem that deserves a higher priority. A ‘cut and patch’ approach to keeping our roads in good condition doesn’t work.”

Both legislators pointed out that the state Transportation Trust Fund is nearly depleted because much of it is already dedicated to previously-borrowed money, leaving scarce funds to address roads.

“As travelers enjoy the last holiday weekend of the summer, they need to drive with heightened attentiveness for fear of hitting a pot-hole that wasn’t fixed,” said Addiego. “The FHA report is another case where New Jersey ranks highest in a least desirable category. Whether it’s income taxes, property taxes or road conditions, our reputation is not something other states are looking to emulate.”

Rudder pointed out that he is a co-sponsor of an Assembly resolution (ACR-182) that would constitutionally dedicate $500 million from existing motor vehicle fees for transportation projects.

“The FHA report is another wake-up call for New Jersey,” continued Rudder. “Governor Corzine didn’t insist that New York contribute to the cost of building a tunnel that they will derive a great benefit from and we don’t have the funds to maintain our highways. What is wrong with that picture?”

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